Hey aliens, here’s our new album! How do you follow up a 50-year-old record that’s hurtling through space?

Today, June 20, 2025, is the summer solstice—the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day of the year and the official start of astronomical summer. It’s when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, giving us the most daylight hours before the days gradually start getting shorter again.

Editor’s Note: The solstice isn’t just a celestial event—it’s a cultural touchstone, marking everything from ancient traditions to modern-day celebrations. For many, it’s a reminder to soak up the extra sunshine, plan outdoor gatherings, or just appreciate the rhythm of the seasons. Plus, it’s a neat excuse to geek out about how Earth’s tilt shapes our lives.

Lego’s latest Star Wars set—the Acclamator-Class Assault Ship—might sound like a tongue-twister, but it’s a surprisingly compact and detailed build. Perfect for fans who want a slice of the Star Wars universe without needing a whole shelf to display it.

Editor’s Note: Lego’s ability to cram intricate designs into smaller sets is a win for collectors and casual builders alike. This review matters because it highlights how Lego keeps balancing affordability, display-friendliness, and that iconic Star Wars charm—something fans always appreciate.

A rare win for wildlife after disaster—tiny endangered fish called tidewater gobies, rescued during California’s wildfires, were just released back into their restored habitat in Malibu’s Topanga Canyon Lagoon. It’s a hopeful comeback story for a species that nearly lost its home.

Editor’s Note: Wildfires don’t just threaten homes and forests—they can wipe out entire ecosystems. This little fish’s return shows how proactive rescue efforts and habitat recovery can actually work, giving a glimmer of hope in the bigger fight against climate-driven disasters. Plus, it’s a reminder that even the smallest creatures play a role in keeping our coasts healthy.

Scientists just uncovered a hidden secret in the plant world—about 20% of plants have a mysterious second set of roots buried way deeper than anyone realized, some stretching over three feet underground. This discovery flips what we thought we knew about how plants anchor themselves and absorb nutrients.

Editor’s Note: Plants are sneakier than we gave them credit for. These deep roots could change how we understand drought resistance, carbon storage, and even farming practices. It’s a reminder that nature still has plenty of surprises up its sleeve—or, in this case, beneath its soil.

Scientists studying Hells Canyon—America's deepest gorge—just uncovered a surprising twist in its origin story. Turns out, this massive chasm wasn't slowly carved over eons like we thought. Instead, it was shaped in a geological flash (well, relatively speaking) about 2.1 million years ago when a huge ancient lake burst its banks and went full demolition crew on the landscape. For perspective, that’s roughly 2,000 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon’s most dramatic drops.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just trivia for rock enthusiasts—it reshapes how we understand some of Earth’s most dramatic landscapes. If a single catastrophic event can gouge out something as epic as Hells Canyon, it hints at how quickly nature can rewrite the map under the right conditions. Also, it’s a humbling reminder that even the ground beneath our feet has some wild, unpredictable backstories.